We are the public policy voice ofIowa's Protestant, Christ-centered schools.

As we travel the state and speak with groups of parents, it is clear that there is a need for clarification on school choice and a list of resources parents can use to get the facts.

Admittedly, the links below are from websites that support school choice. We are confident using these resources and passing them on to you, the parent, because these organizations are reputable, pursue excellence, and are always above reproach on their research methodology and sources. Click the links below and you’ll be armed with the latest information on ESAs, tax credits, vouchers, and school choice in general. Take a few minutes and get acquainted with their work and let us know if you have any questions!

Organizations:

Ed Choice – Ed Choice has been Iowa’s most consistent source of support over the years when it comes to research and public policy help as well as helping us educate Iowans about the benefits of School choice.

CAPE – The Council for American Private Education is a national group and a great resource for research and news. Iowa’s umbrella school choice group, Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education, is a CAPE affiliate.

Iowa ACE – The Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education and its sister organization, Iowa Advocates for Choice in Education, are Iowa’s School Choice voice at the Capitol. The Iowa Association of Christian Schools has permanent representation on the Iowa ACE board. Iowa ACE is a coalition of private school groups from every sector, business and industry, and other advocacy groups that champion school choice.

Although it is a tough budget year for the State of Iowa and many interest groups are asking for increased resources, we have heard time and again this year that “K-12 education will be held harmless.” We laid significant groundwork for tax credit and education savings account legislation moving forward.

Despite this, funding of transportation services for nonpublic school students is facing a cut in SSB 1198. The budget bill is being considered by the Iowa legislature this week. The funding was cut $278,000 in this current fiscal year. Next year’s budget continues cutting nonpublic school transportation funding for a total cut of $363,000. This is unacceptable.

Please use our action alert to contact your Representative and Senator today and ask them to support nonpublic schools by truly “holding K-12 harmless.”

One of our top priorities during the upcoming legislative session is to encourage passage of a flexible Education Savings Account (ESA) program in Iowa. In preparation for the session, our partners at Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education are offering 30-minute “Legislative Kickoff” webinars at two convenient times – Tuesday, Jan. 10 at noon and Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

The webinars will:

present a refresher on the legislative process,

discuss plans for the upcoming legislative session, and

describe specific ways you can actively promote the ESA effort in your local communities.

The live webinars will only be available through viewing parties at Christian or other private schools throughout Iowa, although recordings will be available to individuals later. Check with your local school to see if they’re hosting the webinar.